The Canadian government has spent almost $700,000 fighting a class-action lawsuit launched by wounded military veterans who served in Afghanistan. The cost is contained in a response to a written question posed by Canada’s opposition Liberals in the House of Commons and tabled in Parliament.
“I come home and I find that, honestly, the biggest battle I’ve ever faced in my entire life is here at home against my very own government,” said Major Mark Campbell who lost both his legs above the knees in a Taliban ambush.
Campbell is one of seven plaintiffs suing the federal government over new changes to the Canadian Forces compensation regime. The lawsuit was filed in 2012.
At a press conference Wednesday morning (January 28), Mike Blais, president of Canadian Veterans Advocacy, said the $700,000 legal bill is unconscionable and he called on the government to negotiate a settlement.
Lawyers for the government have been arguing that it has no special social obligation to ex-soldiers, and argue it’s unfair to bind the federal government to promises made almost a century ago.
More information:
CBC News – Fighting veterans’ class-action suit has cost Ottawa $700,000 – here
Toronto Star – Government spends $700,000 fighting veterans’ class-action lawsuit – here
Toronto Star – Lawsuit against government ‘biggest battle’ of Canadian veteran’s life – here
RCI – Government lawyers tell court Canada has no special obligation to military veterans – here
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